The Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC) was launched in October 2000 as a niche, not-for-profit partnership between the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa), the University of Cape Town Department of Public Law, and the Black Sash Trust. It is the only specialist Centre of its kind in South Africa (and on the African Continent).

ODAC’s mission is to promote open and transparent democracy; foster a culture of corporate and government accountability; and assist people in South Africa to be able to realise their human rights.

Fundamentally, ODAC believes that realising the right to know will make a material and tangible social change, while forwarding social and economic justice. By promoting transparency, enhancing access to information, supporting whistleblowers and liberating data, we are forwarding a culture of accountability and openness to meet the needs of citizens.

ODAC are leading experts in relation to access to information and freedom of expression in South Africa, and on the continent.